Meet The World’s Star Nail Artist shortlist: MONIKA KUPIEŃ, UK

Monika Kupień is a talented nail pro based in York, UK, and one of the 21 shortlisted applicants in The World’s Star Nail Artist competition 2023. Get to know her, below…

What’s your background in nails? When and why did you enter the nail industry?

My nail journey started 23 years ago by accident… a literal accident, I cut off my own nail and I wasn’t happy with how it grew back so I booked my first training course in the liquid and powder system.

What’s been the highlight of your career to date?

It’s so difficult to pinpoint just one highlight in my career. Every trophy I’ve received from all the competitions I’ve participated in are definitely highlights, especially two very special medals from Nailympia competition. Another highlight was the very precious moment when I met nail masters who inspire me most like Tom Holcomb, Elena Maltseva and Antony Buckley.

What are your career goals and aspirations?

At the moment, my biggest goal is to educate all clients and from my experience, even very well educated nail techs won’t spread the word as quickly as a well educated client. In light of the recent events, such as allergy epidemics, I want to educate all existing and potential clients to hopefully force other nail techs to up their game.

What kind of nail artist are you? What’s your signature style and favoured techniques?

I love nail art and competition style but my signature style at the salon is definitely natural and tidy; the more natural it is, the better with no bumps, thin and free edges and perfect cuticle area and line of the light. You can learn to paint the most beautiful nail art but if the base isn’t perfect, it’s a big no from me.

What do you love about working in the nail industry?

The nail industry is a bottomless stream of knowledge and education. It’s been 23 years since I joined and I am still able to learn something new, such as chemistry, physics, anatomy and all that incorporated in technical skills.

How did you feel to be shortlisted in The World’s Star Nail Artist competition?

To be chosen among these mega talented people it’s quite an amazing achievement; it was a very unexpected and wonderful feeling.

How did you find the preliminary challenge?

If I’m being completely honest, it was one of the most difficult tasks I was asked to do, especially since English is my second language, I had to read it ten times and translate a lot of words. Hats off to the person who came up with the idea, their imagination is on another level.

What is this competition doing for your profile and skillset?

It’d definitely pushing me to be more creative. Unfortunately, I feel I didn’t show my all after the first challenge so I’m really hoping I get given another chance to show off in the next challenges.

If you could create artistic nails for anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and what design would you create?

I have two. First would be Marilyn Monroe as I would love to do a classic red gel manicure for her and second would be Adam Lambert. I could be more creative with him, some purple nails with crystals, chains and studs; definitely more crazy and flashy.

What would it mean to you to win this competition?

It’s not just about being 1st. It would prove that I am reaching my goals to be an inspiration to someone whilst also improving myself constantly along the way.

Follow Monika Kupien: 

Facebook: 

Instagram: monika.kupien